Xabi Alonso's Shocking Pick: Why He Rates Gonzalo Above Mbappe After Real Madrid's Club World Cup Triumph Over Dortmund
Real Madrid advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals following a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Borussia Dortmund in an action-packed encounter.
Throughout the 90 minutes at MetLife Stadium, Xabi Alonso's squad controlled the match against Dortmund. Gonzalo García broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, netting his fourth tournament goal courtesy of an exceptional pass from Arda Güler. Fran García doubled the advantage ten minutes later, with Trent Alexander-Arnold providing a magnificent assist.
Despite Maximilian Beier reducing the deficit for Dortmund in the 92nd minute, the Spanish powerhouse never appeared vulnerable. Immediately after, Kylian Mbappé responded by racing down the field and executing a spectacular overhead kick to reestablish Real Madrid's two-goal cushion.
Dean Huijsen then unnecessarily fouled Serhou Guirassy in the penalty area, receiving a red card and conceding a spot kick to Dortmund. The BVB forward converted from twelve yards, though he couldn't inspire his teammates to find an equalizer in the final moments of added time.
Here are three key observations from Real Madrid's 3-2 triumph against Dortmund.
Xabi Alonso's Choice to Start Gonzalo Over Kylian Mbappe Proves Successful
Real Madrid's new manager surprised many with his starting lineup selection for the Club World Cup quarterfinals. Alonso opted for Gonzalo alongside Vinícius Júnior, leaving Mbappé on the substitutes' bench for the second straight match.
The Frenchman's limited appearance against Juventus in the round of 16 wasn't shocking; Mbappé had been absent throughout the group phase due to severe illness. However, he was fit and available for selection at MetLife Stadium, yet was passed over for the tournament's emerging sensation.
Alonso's brave choice was vindicated within just 10 minutes against Dortmund. Gonzalo netted Real Madrid's opening goal with another clinical finish from close range, securing his fourth strike of the competition. The 21-year-old now shares the Club World Cup Golden Boot lead with Ángel Di María and Marcos Leonardo.
Gonzalo's outstanding display and Mbappé's impact as a substitute present Alonso with an even greater selection dilemma for the semifinals. Should he continue with the striker who has been Real Madrid's star performer in the United States, or should he bench him for one of football's elite talents? The former Bayer Leverkusen manager might also consider starting Mbappé instead of Vinícius Júnior, who has managed only one goal this summer.
Fran Garcia Demonstrates His Worth as Real Madrid's Primary Left Back
Following the acquisition of a new center-back and right-back this summer, Real Madrid also targeted a left-back signing for the 2025-26 campaign. Ferland Mendy is anticipated to remain sidelined until October following surgery for a torn tendon in his right quadriceps, prompting the club to seek a replacement.
However, Real Madrid failed to finalize a deal with Benfica for Álvaro Carreras before the Club World Cup commenced, leaving Fran as the sole available first-team left-back this summer. The Spanish defender had fallen out of favor with former manager Carlo Ancelotti following several disappointing defensive displays; the Italian coach even preferred David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga over Fran during the previous season's conclusion.
Fran entered the Club World Cup needing to impress his new boss, and he has delivered consistently excellent performances. The left-back has contributed one goal and one assist across five matches in the United States, capitalizing on the additional attacking freedom afforded by his left wing-back role.
Los Blancos might choose to economize this summer by entrusting Fran with the starting position until Mendy's return, given his Club World Cup success.
Real Madrid's Success Creates Exciting Semifinal Matchup
For the first time in three years, Real Madrid will clash with PSG. These two European powerhouses will compete for a Club World Cup final berth in what promises to be among the tournament's most compelling encounters.
The fixture is rich with narratives, most notably Mbappé confronting his former team while wearing Real Madrid's colors for the first time. The Frenchman departed the French capital to join Real Madrid last summer, and PSG subsequently achieved a historic quadruple, including their maiden Champions League triumph, without their record goalscorer.
Beyond Mbappé's storyline, the match will showcase football's biggest stars. From Vinícius Júnior and Trent Alexander-Arnold to Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha, the exceptional talent on display will give this highly anticipated semifinal a Champions League atmosphere. Dean Huijsen, alongside Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández, will be unavailable after receiving red cards in the quarterfinals.
This encounter represents Alonso's first significant challenge with his revamped Real Madrid squad. Successfully defeating the reigning European champions could indicate a return to supremacy for the Spanish giants, a daunting prospect for the rest of Europe.